Hello.
What are the sonic qualities of different sorts of tape (ex. 456, 499, GP9, or others).
I know that you can hit some harder than others but how do they compare/contrast in sound?
I am using a 1/2" 8-track machine at 15 ips; recording music of the rock 'n' roll & pop varieties, with the occasional piano or string section.

Hello-

This might be a little simplistic as it doesn't encompass design/capsule/electronics so i'm postin' it here instead of SP's but if you can help SP that's cool as well!

is it worth investing in a 1/2" instead of a 1/4" for mastering(big quality difference)?

also, which brands have most of you liked most? I'm not very knowledgable when it comes to tape machines.

Hahahahaaaa... a Glock'll do! Maybe a l'il Walther PPK... just something small I kin use on this digital stuff I just heard! It's =gotta= sound better with a bullet through the front panel! ;) Maybe a nice Mag load! .357'd be okay... maybe a 12 gauge Browning! Whatcha think?

I have noticed an increase in complaints concerning mp3.com recently. They have re-vamped their process, and everything now is more confusing and takes longer. I attribute this (I'm guessing here) to a combination of increasing submissions and cuts in staff.

dp3 just started shipping. check out the posts at http://www.unicornation.com

A friend pointed out the website. Pretty cool plugins. 64 bit processsing, comp/exp limiter, mastering limiter (maximizer), 3 band mutiband limiter. So far I like how they sound and I love the price. The interface is simple and useful. Anyone else used this stuff?

Someone pointed these out to me. 64 bit processing, up to 24/96. They sound pretty good and the price is way right. Verrry scottish! Check 'em out and post your opinions.
http://www.db-audioware.com/

Anyone own or have tried these? What do you think?

I've been picking up old Telefunken solid state modules whenever I can find them for almost free prices on Ebay or the local classified ads. I have picked up some incredbily well constructed and great sounding gear for almost no money. My latest find is a Telefunken ELA E130b, a two channel module that can control the stereo image width of MS or XY signals.